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chapka
If you find anything please let us know.
Sheriffs' auctions of lands seized for taxes are held on the steps of courthouses because it would be fraud to hold the auction inside.
Title is transfered by quit claim from the sheriff at one of these auctions. The only interest transfered is an equity interest and the buyer is satisfying that when he raises his hand and bids.
I could give you a quit claim on the Brooklyn bridge that would be entirely legal. In this case I am relinquishing any claim I had on the bridge (which is none).
Actual ownership still resides in the original owner. However, posession can be separated from ownership. Case in point the return of lands to the Palestinians on Gaza recently. Under international law (vattel) only public land can be seized in war.
What is interesting about this footnote is congress was practically spelling it out for everyone that the whole business wasn't legal. It would be refreshing if they were as open today.
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